Casey Winkler

Endorphin, Adrenaline, and Caffeine Addict • Seattle, WA

Depending on what I have going on that night, I am in bed between 10pm and midnight. Again, depending on what my morning looks like, I'm awake between 5am and 7am. Yes, I know I need to establish a more consistent routine.

§ What do you dream about?

Unfortunately for me, I'm one of those individuals who does not remember their dreams.

§ What’s the first thing you do once you’re awake?

I'm not "awake" until my feet hit the floor. My alarm can go off a dozen times, but if I'm still horizontal, I'm at extreme risk of falling back asleep. Feet on the floor!

§ What morning ritual do you have that’s sacred to starting your day off right?

A shower is totally necessary for me to start my day. Whether I have a cup of coffee, breakfast, a morning workout, or anything else, it doesn't feel like I've kicked off my morning until I've taken a shower.

§ What one possession/object is essential to your morning?

My alarm clock. While I cherish my mornings when I can turn it off and sleep in, when it comes to productivity, I need my alarm clock to break my slumber.

§ With whom do you spend your mornings?

My girlfriend, Liz; my dog, Brooks; my roommates, Evan and Chris.

§ What do you eat for breakfast?

If I've had a workout in the morning, I try to follow that up with a smoothie (you have to try it for yourself - blueberries, banana, low fat greek yogurt, kale or spinach, oats, protein powder, peanut butter, and coconut water until the consistency is correct). On days when I'm not working out, I regret to say I don't typically eat breakfast.

§ What kind of coffee do you drink in the morning, and how do you prepare it?

If I'm stopping on the local cafe, I turn to Lighthouse Roasters for a triple-shot Iced Americano (I hear because they pull double shots, it's actually a quad). I'm lucky enough to work for a coffee company, so more often than not, I'm sampling one of our 25 roasters' coffees in the office.

§ What’s the one upgrade you wish you could add to your morning?

Breakfast every morning. My girlfriend makes a veggie omelette every day. Every day. I would love to add a balanced breakfast to my morning routine.

§ What do you consider the end of your morning?

As soon as I arrive in the office, my morning is over. It's called the workday for a reason; it's all day.